Pyongyang– In an unprecedented move, North Korea released the first-ever images of the centrifuges used for producing fuel for its nuclear bombs. The revelation came on Friday, as reported by Reuters, citing state media sources. The images were published following Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un’s visit to the Nuclear Weapons Institute, where he called for an increase in weapons-grade material to bolster the nation’s arsenal.
A rare glimpse inside Pyongyang’s nuclear program
The release of these images, along with Kim’s visit to both the Nuclear Weapons Institute and a production base for weapons-grade nuclear materials, offers a rare and insightful look into North Korea’s closely guarded nuclear activities. These activities are strictly prohibited under multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions. However, the exact timing of Kim’s visit and the precise location of the facility remain undisclosed.
Kim Jong Un’s call to action
During his visit, Kim Jong Un emphasized the importance of North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, stating that it is essential for “confronting threats from the United States and its allies.” He urged workers to ramp up the production of tactical nuclear weapons, describing the arsenal as crucial for both “self-defense and the capability for a preemptive attack.” Furthermore, Kim stressed the need to expand the number of centrifuges to “exponentially increase” the production of weapon-grade nuclear materials, advocating for the use of a new type of centrifuge to achieve this goal.
Multiple uranium enrichment sites
According to the Reuters report, North Korea is believed to maintain several uranium enrichment sites. Commercial satellite imagery has revealed ongoing construction at the main Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center over recent years. Just days ago, Rafael Grossi, the chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stated that the UN nuclear watchdog had observed activity consistent with the operation of a reactor and the reported centrifuge enrichment facility at Yongbyon.
Historical context
North Korea has previously released photos purportedly showing nuclear warheads and has conducted six underground nuclear tests between 2006 and 2017. The latest revelations add another layer of complexity to the international community’s ongoing efforts to monitor and curb North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.
As the world digests these new developments, the international community remains on high alert, pondering the implications of North Korea’s expanding nuclear capabilities.